Does anyone know if it is ok to split a 4ga. line using solder instead of a $20 distibution block?
Replies (6)
Wealot53 on 08/29/2004 00:13:04
Exactly what are you running the 4 awg for Batteries? Amp ? The distribution Blocks are the only way to go I've been installing for about 10 years Boats cars etc and eventually solder will fail because once soldered there is no great way to keep it insulated or stable enough to provide the desired effect.E-Bay has been my savior from the high prices of gold pieces for all of my side installs.Don't get me wrong I'm not saying soldering will not work but from my experience it later becomes another problem to be fixed.And the only thing worse than seeing an install return Is realizing you left your tools in the one leaving!
P0werLifter on 08/29/2004 00:27:38
As Wealot has stated, Distrobution Block are the only way to go here. I would not reccomend splitting 4guage then soldering from there, not only would it not be as safe, but it would be more of a hassle. $20 dollars is nothing to save you a huge hassle and save you from a possible hazard.
-Jason
uochronos on 08/29/2004 00:29:11
distrobution block is the corect way to go it is sound and fail proof.
however i did do soemthing similar with solder recently. i got a 3 way coper pipe that was slightly smaller then the wire and filled it with solder and then shoved wire in and sodered more. this gave me a very strong connection.... i then insulated it with alot of electrical tape... you well have to use a propane torch to ehat it though. and a bucket of water close by.
victroy1 on 08/29/2004 00:30:01
Thanks guy's
victroy1 on 08/29/2004 00:42:02
A little more info from meI am looking for recommendations on using $29 distribution blocks when I could just solder a Y. I am using 4ga. wire in my boat both cables (=/-) go 22' to the battery. I need to split the 4 at the amps so I have a pair of 4's and a pair of 8 guage. I was thinking of stripping back the cover about 6 inches from the end and soldering in the 8 ga. to the side of the 4 ga. then shrink tubing the connection. There is no metal or any problems with protecting the area soldered because it's all up under the instrument panel on a well protected platform. Does anyone see why not using a distrubution block would be a problem?
ps.I solder quite good.
uochronos on 08/29/2004 00:45:41
the biggest issue usuiing solder on such large wires is it can come undone because its ahrd to get a good solder. also if you dont get a good insulation on it you well get shorts in it.... i would really suggest a distroblock here. sounds like this may have long term problems.... but just my opinions.
Replies (6)
Wealot53 on 08/29/2004 00:13:04
Exactly what are you running the 4 awg for Batteries? Amp ? The distribution Blocks are the only way to go I've been installing for about 10 years Boats cars etc and eventually solder will fail because once soldered there is no great way to keep it insulated or stable enough to provide the desired effect.E-Bay has been my savior from the high prices of gold pieces for all of my side installs.Don't get me wrong I'm not saying soldering will not work but from my experience it later becomes another problem to be fixed.And the only thing worse than seeing an install return Is realizing you left your tools in the one leaving!
P0werLifter on 08/29/2004 00:27:38
As Wealot has stated, Distrobution Block are the only way to go here. I would not reccomend splitting 4guage then soldering from there, not only would it not be as safe, but it would be more of a hassle. $20 dollars is nothing to save you a huge hassle and save you from a possible hazard.
-Jason
uochronos on 08/29/2004 00:29:11
distrobution block is the corect way to go it is sound and fail proof.
however i did do soemthing similar with solder recently. i got a 3 way coper pipe that was slightly smaller then the wire and filled it with solder and then shoved wire in and sodered more. this gave me a very strong connection.... i then insulated it with alot of electrical tape... you well have to use a propane torch to ehat it though. and a bucket of water close by.
victroy1 on 08/29/2004 00:30:01
Thanks guy's
victroy1 on 08/29/2004 00:42:02
A little more info from meI am looking for recommendations on using $29 distribution blocks when I could just solder a Y. I am using 4ga. wire in my boat both cables (=/-) go 22' to the battery. I need to split the 4 at the amps so I have a pair of 4's and a pair of 8 guage. I was thinking of stripping back the cover about 6 inches from the end and soldering in the 8 ga. to the side of the 4 ga. then shrink tubing the connection. There is no metal or any problems with protecting the area soldered because it's all up under the instrument panel on a well protected platform. Does anyone see why not using a distrubution block would be a problem?
ps.I solder quite good.
uochronos on 08/29/2004 00:45:41
the biggest issue usuiing solder on such large wires is it can come undone because its ahrd to get a good solder. also if you dont get a good insulation on it you well get shorts in it.... i would really suggest a distroblock here. sounds like this may have long term problems.... but just my opinions.
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